With so many products on the market today, it is often hard to ascertain which products are truly green. Fortunately, there are non-profit organizations that are striving to ensure that you will be able to determine whether the product you are buying is green or not. One such organization is Green Seal.
What is Green Seal?
Green Seal is a third-party certifier for products that want to be considered eco-friendly. The primary goal of Green Seal is to have companies adhere to certain environmentally friendly standards in the manufacturing of their products. It was founded in 1989, and from then on it has become a world leader in certifying eco-friendly products. The methods they implement in the certification process are all science-based. They can certify any product that is sold in the market, as long as these products meet the strict green certification standards.
In 1991, the organization issued their first set of environmental standards. Since then, it has certified a number of companies such as Andersen Windows, 3M, and Benjamin Moore. These companies, among others, have met the strict Green Seal standards. Today, even more companies are having their products certified as green.
How Products Receive the Green Seal
Companies that would like to have their products certified by Green Seal, submit their application to the organization. Green Seal will then evaluate said products and determine whether the products comply with the applicable standards. Green Seal gathers test data from the companies. Then, the manufacturing facility is visited by Green Seal to assess quality control procedures, whether they are indeed pro-environment or not. Being able to visit the site also determines whether the current quality control procedures can be implemented in future production. If the products meet the standards set by Green Seal, the company will receive the Green Seal mark.
Where to Find the Green Seal Mark?
Green Seal products are characterized by the Green Seal symbol. This mark contains the words “GREEN SEAL”, atop a blue circle symbolizing the earth and with a bold green check at the front. Green Seal products can place the symbol on the body of the product itself, in advertising, on packaging, in catalogs, and even in promotional materials. Companies must also abide by the different rules that Green Seal has set for the use of the mark.
What’s In It for You?
Making sure to check the ecolabels on products that are available in the market today would ensure that you are getting earth-friendly products. This means that the processes in the manufacturing of said products conformed to environmentally friendly standards set by third party certifiers such as Green Seal. Patronizing these products is tantamount to doing your part for the environment.
